Who is the Coven of Danu?
The Mohsian Tradition began in the early sixties with Helen and Bill Mohs. Initially, they did not have a name for the tradition, but later called it American Eclectic Traditional Wicca. Bill and Helen formed their own coven, Pan’s Garden, and by 1965 they had created a safe place where people from diverse walks of life could acquire and share knowledge of the occult. As a result, the Tradition is a composite of Gardnerian, Alexandrian, 1734, Plant Bran and Boread traditions. Over time, the Tradition was dubbed “Mohsian” by students and coven members, but the Mohs themselves never called the Tradition by that name.
The Mohsian Tradition follows the basic Gardnerian format of having a three-degree initiatory system. Covens generally have esbats at the Full and Dark Moons and rituals to celebrate the eight Sabbats of the traditional Wheel of the Year. It is oath bound, lineage based, follows the Mysteries and all initiations are done cross gender.
The Coven of Danu follows the Mohsian Tradition and is the oldest Mohsian coven in existence. The coven was started by Jack, a Mohsian Priest, and Ellen, a Priestess of the Myjestic and Gwyddonic Traditions. They decided to follow the Mohsian Tradition. The Coven of Danu was officially founded in Yule of 1981 and has been in continuous existence ever since.
One area of emphasis for the coven is that all members are expected to dedicate themselves to a program of personal growth and empowerment. As part of that process, people who come into the coven are expected to take on certain roles at the appropriate times. This may be something as simple as calling a quarter, or as involved as acting as a priestess or priest for a ritual. This is a part of the growth process. The coven has a high priestess and a high priest but, when a person is ready, she or he may step into that role for an esbat or a sabbat.
Initially, there were no formal classes for students. Jack would pick a random topic and students would be instructed during esbats. In November of 1984, the Coven was turned over to Gail and Ken. At this time, classes were limited to a “Wicca 101” format of about eight classes. In 1996 Ken, and a Priestess named Sharon, put together a program that has evolved into today’s Outer Court classes, which are designed to run for the traditional “year and a day”. The Outer Court is structured to give the student the rudiments of coven training from which they can determine if this is a path they wish to dedicate themselves to.
The Coven of Danu is committed to providing the student with an ethical framework for personal growth and development. It is expected that applicants have a balanced and mature outlook on life and be willing to apply themselves to the task of self-discovery and personal growth. Participation in the Outer Court program does not necessarily mean that a person will become a member of the coven. That being said, all members of the coven have been students.
May the Gods guide you on your Path.
Are you interested in taking classes?
As of 8/20/23 we are not accepting new students. You are welcome to turn in an application. We will contact you prior to the start of the next series of classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a charge for the classes?
There is no charge for the classes. It is common in British Traditional Wicca that the teaching is freely given as it is felt that it would cheapen the Craft to put a monetary value on it.
How often do the classes meet?
Classes are held twice a month, usually on the Saturday closest to the new moon and full moon. They are taught at the covenstead in Phoenix, but may also be held in other locations.
What happens if I have to cancel?
Students are expected to make up missing classes when the next section begins. We ask that students inform us before the day of the class, or as soon as possible.
What kind of things do we learn in the classes?
We have three overarching themes. First, we teach about mythology and how that is applied to the Craft. We also cover ritual – the mechanics and the underlying principles. Lastly, is a broad overview of magick and the Self.
What happens if I decide to leave?
Nothing. There is no pressure to continue attending classes. Each person is walking their own path, and the Coven will respect your decision.
Does being in the Outer Court mean I am or will be a part of the Coven?
If a student wishes to join the Coven, they must formally ask for initiation. Admittance to the Coven must be approved unanimously by all the members of the Coven. It is also expected that the student be absolutely sure that this is something they want to pursue.
Is there a required reading list?
There are recommended books that are posted below. It is important to understand that Wicca is an experiential Path, and that much of the real learning is gained by “hands on” learning. Reading will give someone the rudiments of the practice, but is not the totality.
Are there any rules to follow?
The only rule is the Wiccan Rede – “An it harm none, do what ye Will”. By “harm” it is understood that one doesn’t bring harm to others, or to one’s self. Wicca does not have a concept of “sin” and Wiccans take full responsibility for their actions.
What are the three Degrees and what are their requirements?
- First degree – There are levels of Service that go with each Degree. The first level is Service to the Self. To attain First Degree a student must learn the basics of the Craft, plus gain an understanding of the self. This is where “Know Thyself” comes into being. The usual duration is a “year and a day”.
- Second degree – The second level of Service is to the Community. After a period of further study an initiate has acquired a store of knowledge and is ready to teach others, and take a more active role in the Coven.
- Third degree – The third level of Service is to the Gods. At this point They will direct the initiate as to what They want. Third degrees assume more responsibility and are considered to be the carriers of the Tradition.
Need more information?
Can’t find the answers you’re looking for? We’d love to hear from you.
Suggested Reading List
The following books are not, by any means, intended to be a definitive list of books on the Traditional Craft. They are meant to convey a rough sense of what the Craft is about. There are many books in print about Wicca, and witchcraft, that run the gamut of good to terrible. It is difficult for a beginner to make an informed choice because a beginner has nothing from which to base it upon. It is usually the case that, after an extensive amount of reading, the astute observer will notice that the books tend to repeat the same themes. When someone reads about how the author performs a Sabbat ritual, for instance, that is the way the author does it based upon how they were taught. After a while it becomes variations on a theme. There are other books that could be included. Anything by Doreen Valiente is useful. It is also recommended that careful study of ancient cultures written by academics will give some insight of how ancient belief systems were practiced, and how they might apply today.
This list is reserved for the basic texts that everyone else derives from.
- Witchcraft Today by Gerald Gardner. – This is the book that got it all started. Even though it is somewhat dated it is important from a historical perspective.
- Drawing Down the Moon by Margot Adler. – It is important because it covers several different “flavors” of the Craft and Pagan community.
- Spiral Dance by Starhawk. – More of a philosophical approach than anything else. She started out in the Feri Tradition and later on started the Reclaiming Tradition.
- Eight Sabbats For Witches and The Witches’ Way by Janet and Stuart Farrar. – These two books are the basis of the Alexandrian Craft as practiced by the Farrars.
- Raymond Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland. – Raymond Buckland started out as a Gardnerian and later formed Seax Wicca. This book is useful for all the “nuts and bolts” information it provides.
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Contact Us
Outer Court Study Group PO Box 34686
Phoenix, AZ 85067